Monday, July 11, 2011

United we stand, divided we fall.

Over recent weeks, as the subject of legal aid reform has been hotly debated, there has been much opposition to sweeping reforms voiced from a variety of sources and this is, without question, very positive. Worryingly, one issue which is shining out above most others, is the disjointed approach to campaigning taken by the main players in this crucial battle against Ken Clarke and his Ministry.


The Law Society; The Bar Council; The Judges' Council; Justice for All; LAG; and so the list goes on. All standing up to be counted, all shouting for the right to access justice regardless of social or economic status and each appearing to act in isolation to the others. We have the Sound Off campaign website and the Justice for All campaign website which, whilst complementing each other and showing mutual support, do appear to almost be competing at first glance and that cannot be beneficial - if people feel faced with a choice, it is likely that they will be unsure who to support and may well ultimately decide to support neither. It is a similar story across the board.


Each and every voice that shouts, or group that campaigns is, without doubt, beneficial but how much louder would the voice of the vulnerable be if all of these groups presented a united front and took a truly joined up approach?


It is clear to those within the legal profession that the various voices are all on the same side and fighting, relentlessly, to achieve the same outcome; I do not dispute this. I am however convinced that united we will stand but divided, we fall. 


Now is the time to step forward in complete unity, with a single Legal Aid campaign, and shout louder than ever before to protect our rights and our ability to enforce them without discrimination or prejudice.